Day 1: We Have Arrived Safely!

Our day started out before dawn as we convened at the airport at about 5:00 a.m.  Thanks to Greer's leadership and planning, check-in of 17 suitcases, three wheelchairs, and a screen went smoothly.  Despite our flight to Miami being delayed about 30 minutes, we arrived in Miami in time to make our next flight. A few of us were able to grab a quick snack.  We have two rookies on our team this year. Elisabeth Auld has already proved her worth by finding the 17th suitcase, which was missing, at the Haiti airport.  We're still waiting on Jim Haugan to contribute but we're a forgiving crowd. He's got six more days to do it!

Walking out the airport doors into the heat of Haiti was a shock for us. It was about an 80-degree difference from what we left in Virginia. Another shock was not having full sunshine; it was a cloudy day in Haiti!  We did our usual unpacking of the suitcases and repacking of items to take to Little Children of Jesus and the Medical Clinic.

It wouldn't be a complete day in Haiti without us sitting around, enjoying some fellowship time by drinking a Prestige, eating some peanuts, and telling stories.  We do this well!  We even enjoyed some rain sprinkles while we enjoyed our fellowship time.

Our first meal in Haiti was very un-Haitian.  We had chili with Fritos and lemon cake for dessert.  It was a great meal after a day of traveling and getting sustenance from granola bars!

As usual, we ended our day with devotions provided by Pat Eichhorst who was unable to come this year.  After some technical difficulties, we sang the very traditional Lutheran hymn, "The Church's One Foundation." This is a great way to start off our week together!  We look forward to a terrific week of sharing this experience with one another and those we meet.

Descent into Haiti

 Van selfie!

 Unpacking

Unpacking